Economic Benefits for Green Roofs: A Case Study of the Skaggs Pharmacy Building, University of Utah

Economic Benefits for Green Roofs: A Case Study of the Skaggs Pharmacy Building, University of Utah

T. Wu
R.E. Smith

University of Utah, USA.

Page: 
122-138
|
DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.2495/DNE-V6-N2-122-138
Received: 
N/A
| |
Accepted: 
N/A
| | Citation

OPEN ACCESS

Abstract: 

This paper reports a return on investment (ROI) feasibility study of applying a green roof on a future pharmacy building at the University of Utah. A 40-year life cycle costs versus benefits comparative analysis has been performed for green roof, black roof, and reflective roof alternatives to quantify the economic benefits from green roofs. A green roof has a larger initial capital investment when compared with black or a reflective roof; however, the life cycle accumulative values of benefits from a green roof have been calculated at 27 years, positive net present value, and 100% ROI. This conclusion makes the green roof alternative a better advisable investment than the other two roof alternatives.

Keywords: 

Energy efficiency, lifecycle cost, green roof benefits, return on investment

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